Service tray



R. G BOYD SERVICE TRAY Aug. 23, 1966 Filed June 22, 1964 ATTORNEY UnitedStates Patent Ofitice 3,267,887 Patented August 23, 1966 3,267,887SERVICE TRAY Robert G. Boyd, 3790 Covert Road, Pontiac, Mich. Filed June22, 1%4, Ser. No. 376,679 3 Claims. (Cl. 108-152) This invention relatesto service trays in general and more particularly to service trays foruse on outdoor lawn chairs and the like.

In the summer time, it is most enjoyable to be able to sit on the porchor out in the backyard in a comfortable lawn chair with a good drink inhand. The only problem is that in hand is where the drink or othernourishment has to stay. There is seldom a table or the like near by onwhich to sit a glass, a bowl, a package of cigarettes or anything else.

There is a definite need for a simple, relatively inexpensive, andattractive service tray for use with lawn chairs and like summer porchand backyard furniture. To the extent possible, such a tray should be atone elbow and still out of the way. It should be able to be securelyattached to a chair and yet be easily movable. It should be light inweight and easy to use. It should include a minimum of parts, be easy toassemble and disassemble, and convenient to store when not in use.

This invention is directed to just such a service tray and one which hasnumerous other advantages which will be more fully appreciated later on.

It is an object of this invention to provide a service tray which isparticularly suited for use with summer lawn chairs of aluminum tubeconstruction and which have side arms provided by two tubes in closeparallel side by side relation.

The service tray of this invention includes a wire formed frame member,in its preferred form, covered with a protective plastic dip coating. Itis shaped to include parallel spaced arms which will receive a traytherebetween and has a part between the arms to which a bracket isfastened. The bracket may also be a wire form and dipped member and thetwo can be made adjustable relative to each other.

In the preferred form of this invention, the bracket and frame are madefrom wire rod members bent to shape and dipped in plastic. The tray isof simple and conventional shape and construction. The bracket and frameare relatively adjustable so that the tray can be held horizontallyregardless of the disposition of the member to which the bracket memberis to be secured.

These and other objects and advantages to be gained in the practice ofthis invention will be better understood and more fully appreciated upona reading of the following specification having reference to thepreferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a summer lounge chair having theservice tray of this invention provided on an arm thereof.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged side plan view of the service tray of thisinvention as seen in the plane of line 22 of the previous drawingfigures and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon.

FIGURE 3 is a still further enlarged cross-sectional view of the servicetray of this invention as seen in the plane of line 3-3 of theimmediately preceding drawing figure, looking in the direction of thearrows thereon.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the wire form frame member of theservice tray holder of this invention.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of an alternate form of tray holder andbracket embodying certain features of this invention.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of another form of bracket member for usewith the service tray of this invention.

Referring to the drawings in further detail, a lawn chair 10 is shown.It has an aluminum frame 12 of tubular construction and is provided withwebbing 14. The arms 16 for the chair are provided by a pair of tubularmembers in relatively close parallel relation to each other. The arms 16are normally inclined slightly, as best shown by FIGURE 2, and thetubular members forming the arms are slightly spaced as shown by FIGURE3.

Suitable ratchet means 18 cooperating with the interconnected chair legsenable adjustment of the reclining back of the lounge chair. This iscommonly known and forms no part of this invention. Accordingly, itdeserves no further discussion.

The service tray 20 of this invention is shown as mounted on one of thearms 16 of the lounge chair 10. It includes a frame 22 which is bestshown by FIGURE 4.

The frame member is of wire rod construction formed to include parallelspaced arms 24 and 26 which are jointed together at one end by a crossmember 23. The terminal ends of the arms 24 and 26 are bent towards eachother, as at 30 and 32, and are relatively aligned. They are also inparallel spaced relation to the cross member 28.

A tray 34 is shown disposed on the frame 22. The tray has side wallflanges 36 which extend laterally outward and are spaced slightly abovethe bottom wall 38. Although the tray may be of almost any material andshape, size or form, provided it is complimentary to the respectiveframe 22, it is preferably of a lightweight plastic which is easier tokeep clean and cannot be dented, bent or broken if accidentally droppedor otherwise subjected to possible damage.

A book or bracket 40 is provided on one side of the frame member 22. Inthe first four drawing figures it is shown as a part of the actual framemember. However, it will subsequently be shown how a different type ofbracket member may be used.

The bracket member 40 includes a shoulder or neck portion 42 extendingoutwardly from the cross member 28 and having an open book 44 providedat the end thereof. It will be appreciated that the neck and open hookmay be of single rod construction or, although not shown, he formed tohave the rod bent back upon itself.

Both the frame 22 and the bracket part 40 are coated with a weatherresistant plastic covering 46. The wire rod material used to form theframe and bracket part may, if desired, be soft and pliable like coathanger wire so that it can be easily bent and formed as desired. Thishas advantages in enabling the tray holder frame 22 to be adapted toaccommodate other than the rectangular type tray 34 which is shown, orany other shaped tray which might be originally provided therewith.

The ease with which the wire rod frame and bracket material may be bentmay also be significant if the bracket is made as a part of the frameand it is desirable to have the hook 44 disposed at a slight angle toaccommodate any incline in the arm 16 of the lounge chair '10, bestappreciated in FIGURE 2.

Another arrangement which affords more adjustability of the service tray20 is shown by FIGURE 5. Although the tray receptive frame member is notfully shown, the cross member is identified as 28' and is modified asshown to include an open loop 48 which depends therebelow.

A separate hook part is shown and identified as 40. It is a totallyseparate part with a closed eye 50 atone end which cooperates with theframe part 48 to receive a threaded fastener means 52 therethrough.Since both the frame and bracket part are plastic coated, they arefictitiously held together when the fastener 52 is tightened down. Thisis just like they would be with a rubber washer between them. Such anarrangement enables easier relative adjustment of the two will always behorizontal.

Another type of bracket 54 is shown by FIGURE 6. This is a wide band orstrap which is shown to include the loose neck 56 and receptive end 58with a hole 60 for the fastener means to extend therethrough.

In use, the frame member 22 is placed on the arm 116 of a lounge chair10, as shown by *FIGURE l. The frame member is adjusted so that it issubstantially horizontal and parallel to the ground. This may vary whenthe chair is on an incline as at the beach or elsewhere. However,adjusting the frame is no problem.

When frequent adjustment is expected, the tray frame with the moreadjustable bracket 40 of FIGURE 5 is preferable. In such instances, whenthis type service tray is used, the fastener means 52 may be loosened tofacilitate the necessary adjustment. Or, the two parts may be merelyforcibly moved in relatively opposite direct-ions for adjustment. Thefriction bind of the coating on the two parts will enable limitedadjustment without loosening the fastener and then having to tightenthem together agam.

Although the fastener means is shown to include a common bolt and nutfastener, it will be appreciated that a wing that might be used iffrequent loosening and adjustment of the fastener is anticipated.

Normally the double tube arms 16 of an aluminum frame lawn chair arespaced enough to receive the support bracket hook 44 therebetwen. Theweight of the tray alone, although slight, and the plastic coating onthe bracket serve to hold the tray where placed and to prevent it fromsliding down to another position.

If the tubular members forming the chair arm 116 are too close togetherfor the plastic dip coated bracket 40 or 40', the strap type '54 ofFIGURE 6 may be used. However, in almost every instance, the tubes maybe spread suificiently, at least near their ends, to receive the brackethoo'k therebetween.

As previously mentioned, the actual tray 34 may be of any commonly usedtype. The plastic type of tray is preferred, for reasons previouslymentioned. Similarly, a relatively simple and inexpensive tray willserve as well as an elaborate one and is probably more economical andserviceable :for outdoor use. Since the tray 34 is easily removed fromthe frame member 22, any spillage can be poured from the tray byremoving it from the frame. and it is then a simple matter to wipe thetray dry. No drain need be provided as with trays which might bepermanently fixed to a frame or in turn to the lawn chair.

It is also obvious that the tray 34 need not be provided with cut-outsto hold glasses or cups as is sometimes done. Since the tray can beadjusted so that it is perfectly horizontal, nothing need be tilted andinclined to tip over when it is set on the tray.

Although the tray frame 34 might be provided with the terminal ends 30and 32 engaged together, this would preclude the advantage of being ableto either extend the length of the side arms 24 and 26 or widen theframe if necessary to accommodate a different size or shape tray member34. Of course, if the ends were closed they might be cut open, with wirecutters, to accomplish the teachings set forth herein. In the presentinstance, the

parts so that the tray absence of material between the inbent ends 30and 32 of the arms also involves some savings of material.

When the service trays 20 are used on separate lawn chairs 10, it willbe appreciated that the individual tray-s 64 may be stacked together forstorage and that the frame members 22 themselves may be hung up orstacked without much trouble. Those frames which have the depending openhook loops 48 may be stacked together with the eyes sufficiently alignedto receive a common fastener,

of large enough length to keep them all together. Indeed, the individualbrackets 40 may also be retained on the same long fastener member.

From the foregoing, many other modifications and improvements shouldcome to mind. Although a preferred embodiment of this invent-ion hasbeen shown and described in certain detail, with some attention given toa couple of modifications and improvements, it will be appreciated thatthere is a great deal more within the scope of the teachings set forth.Accordingly, such other improvements and modifications as are within thespirit of the invention are not specifically excluded by the language ofthe hereinafter appended claims are to be considered as inclusivethereunder.

I claim:

I. A service tray device for use with lawn furniture and the like,comprising:

a frame member of wire rod material for-med to include parallel spacedarms for receiving and supporting a tray member in close fittedengagement therebetween and having a transversely disposed connectingwire rod member extended between adjacent'ly disposed ends of said arms,

said arms having the free terminal ends thereof bent in towards eachother and in substantially parallel spaced relation to said connectingwire rod member for providing means precluding lateral movement of atray member received and supported thereby,

and a gooseneck support provided between the ends of said connectingwire rod member and extended outwardly therefrom for over-and-underengagement with receptive arms of suitable lawn type furniture.

2. The service tray device of claim '1,

said frame member being of essentially one piece construction and havingsaid connecting Wire rod member providing the sole means of engagementbetween the arms thereof,

and said arms being sufiiciently spaced and bendable for being formed toreadily receive and securely hold a service tray in said frame from theunderside of said tray and without means of visual support on theservice side thereof.

3. The service tray device of claim 2,

said gooseneck support being a secure part of said connecting wire rodmember and being adjustable angularly relative thereto for maintainingsaid frame horizontally disposed and properly receptive of a servicetray.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,428,073 9/ 1947Handel 211-437 2,648,442 8/ 1953 Lowmaster 248242 X 2,706,517 4/ 1955Dexter et al 297-4188 X 2,807,315 9/1957 :Manne 297191 2, 841,35 3 7/ l8 Burdick 248-4224 2,864,509 112/1958 Watral 21 141 2,872,145 2/ 9Goldsholl Q 248223 2,88 4,221 4/ 1959 Messier 24836 1 2,897,976 8/1959Miller 29791 X 3,1'66,'3 54 l/ 1965 Sorensen 297-194 FOREIGN PATENTS775,748 10/ 1934 France.

CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Primary Examiner FRANK B. SHERRY, Examiner. J. T.MCCALL, Assistant Examiner,

1. A SERVICE TRAY DEVICE FOR USE WITH LAWN FURNITURE AND THE LIKE,COMPRISING: A FRAME MEMBER OF WIRE ROD MATERIAL FORMED TO INCLUDEPARALLEL SPACED ARMS FOR RECEIVING AND SUPPORTING A TRAY MEMBER INCLOSED FITTED ENGAGEMENT THEREBETWEEN AND HAVING A TRANSVERSELY DISPOSEDCONNECTING WIRE ROD MEMBER EXTENDED BETWEEN ADJACENTLY DISPOSED ENDS OFSAID ARMS, SAID ARMS HAVING THE FREE TERMINAL ENDS THEREOF BENT INTOWARDS EACH OTHER AND IN SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL SPACED RELATION TO SAIDCONNECTING WIRE ROD MEMBER FOR PROVIDING MENS PRECLUDING LATERALMOVEMENT OF A TRAY MEMBER RECEIVED AND SUPPORTED THEREBY, AND AGOOSENECK SUPPORT PROVIDED BETWEEN THE END OF SAID CONNECTING WIRE RODMEMBER AND EXTENDED OUTWARDLY THEREFROM FOR OVER-AND-UNDER ENGAGEMENTWITH RECEPTIVE ARMS OF SUITABLE LAWN TYPE FURNITURE.